Results: http://www.muskingum.edu/athletics/track/12%20Outdoor/Muskie_Duals_Resul...
The Bluffton University men's and women's track and field team opened their outdoor campaign at Muskingum University on Saturday, March 17. The Beavers captured two wins, two runner-up performances and a number of personal best and qualifying efforts throughout the meet.
Andy Chaffee took control of the men's 3000 meter steeplechase from the gun and never looked back, taking the win in a PR 10:37.02 effort over the barriers. Later in the afternoon, Kayla Mullenhour set her own PR and new meet record in the 400 meter hurdles, winning the event in 69.02, a time which easily qualifies her for the All-Ohio and HCAC championship meets later in the season.
In the women's 3000 meter race, Alison Janzen split a pair of ONU runners to eclipse the stadium record, running a 38-second PR to finish second in 11:06.15, less than three seconds from the school record. In the women's hammer, stand-out senior Megan Neal (Arlington) recorded the second-best throw of the meet with a 154' 11" distance in a field of 17 competitors. Her mark significantly surpassed both the meet and stadium records.
The men's and women's 200 meters proved to be a speedy event for the Beavers as all four competitors clocked PR's at the distance. Jenna Strauss stopped the clock in 30.72 while Eric Dameron, Josh Mattoon and Jordan Wegner ran 25.00, 25.14 and 29.03, respectively.
Mattoon's 56.19 performance at 400 meters was a big PR over his indoor best while two debut efforts are of note. Dual-sport athlete Aaron Brown (men's basketball) impressed with a well-executed 2:10.44 in the 800 meter run as did Mackenzie Mayer whose 6:01.88 race over 1500 meters shattered coaches' expectations and showed she has what it takes to significantly improve. Brandi Dominique's 2:28.96 effort in the 800 meters met the qualifying standard for the HCAC championship.
The Beavers continued to impress in the field events as well. Rob Cook (110' 5"), Jeff Parker (101' 3") and Julie Court (94' 11") all established PR's in the hammer throw with Parker (39' 6.5") and Cook (34' 9.75") joining Neal (33' 2") for PR's in the shot put. Parker made it three-for-three on the day with a 116' 2" PR in the discus. Travaun Reaves cleared 6' to finish the day in a three-way tie for 3rd in the high jump, a height which qualifies him for both the All-Ohio and HCAC championships.
The Beavers return to action next Saturday, March 24, (11 a.m.) at Defiance College.
